Victor Davis Hanson Explains Trump's 'Vise Policy' in Foreign Relations

Trump's Jacksonian Foreign Policy

• 🧠 Victor Davis Hanson characterizes Trump's foreign policy not as interventionist, nation-building, or isolationist, but as Jacksonian, summarized by the principle "no better friend, no worse enemy."
• ⚡ A unique subset of this Jacksonian approach is termed the "vise policy", which involves applying pressure and economic squeeze rather than direct intervention or kinetic force.

The 'Vise Policy' in Action

• 🎯 This policy aims to exert pressure on renegade countries by leveraging economic sanctions and other non-military means.
• 💡 The goal is to achieve outcomes such as bringing back legitimate, pro-American governments and stability, particularly in the Western Hemisphere.

Case Study: Iran and Venezuela

• 💥 Regarding Iran, the policy involved withdrawing from the Iran deal, reimposing sanctions, and supporting Israel's actions, effectively bankrupting Iran by squeezing its economy at minimal cost to the U.S.
• 💸 In Venezuela, sanctions are applied to Maduro's illegitimate government, targeting narco-sales and oil income, thereby limiting his ability to bribe officials and maintain power.

Impact on Cuba and the Monroe Doctrine

• 🇨🇺 Cuba's economy is described as being in a "Trump vise" due to its dependence on Venezuelan oil; if Maduro cannot supply oil, Cuba faces energy shortages.
• 🌎 Trump has effectively reinstated the Monroe Doctrine with this vise policy, demonstrating U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere and limiting the ability of other powers like China to project influence.

Limitations and Conclusion

• ⚠️ The "vise policy" may not be effective in all situations, particularly in cases of full-fledged war like the Ukraine conflict.
• ✅ However, for countries within the U.S. vicinity or over which leverage exists, this approach offers a method to squeeze them towards legitimate governance and stability without direct military engagement.